An MMA fighter who had competed was sentenced to up to 25 years in jail for a murder that happened at a hotel in Atlantic City.
According to the prosecution, Andrew J. Osborne, 35, of Philadelphia, will not be eligible for parole until he has served 21 years in prison.
According to the prosecution, he cannot petition to the parole board for release until he has served 85% of his sentence under New Jersey's No Early Release Act.
Judge Bernard E. DeLury Jr. of New Jersey imposed the sentence last Thursday.
Details of a Stabbing
Osborne stabbed Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey resident Brian Wilkinson, 47, to start the incident. The pair was in the Ocean Casino Resort's guest room belonging to Wilkinson.
Hours after being stabbed, Wilkinson's naked body was discovered on the hotel room floor. He had injuries to his head and neck. According to BreakingAC.com, a T-shirt and underpants were discovered next to the body.
There was never an explanation given by local news sources for the horrific incident.
After the stabbing, Osborne was seen in an elevator at Ocean Casino wearing some of the victim's clothing, according to hotel security footage. Osborne and his wife got into a silver Hyundai Accent hatchback and drove back to Philadelphia following the murder.
Osborne was charged with first-degree murder and third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose after being captured three days after the attack on September 23, 2022.
He was found guilty of aggravated manslaughter earlier this year after admitting to stabbing Wilkinson to death in the hotel room. The Ocean Casino Resort hotel is a 20-acre property located near the Atlantic City boardwalk, with 1,860 guest rooms.
Osborne, a former professional mixed martial arts fighter, left the ring in 2017 after compiling a 7-11-1 record over multiple fight seasons.
Honoring the Victim
According to NJ.com, Wilkinson was a bookkeeper who had previously worked for a construction company.
"Brian's death was very tragic and sudden and will be sadly missed by everyone that knew him," the family wrote in an obituary posted on the website.
That feeling was expressed by a friend, Heather L., who said, "Condolences to Brian's family and friends." Brian and I were classmates, and he was a genuinely nice guy. There will be many who miss him.